Holiday Books For Kids

19 Must-Have Holiday Books For Kids Young and Old

Whether you discovered it during your own childhood or after you became a parent, we all have the one holiday book that brings us back to those special nights, waiting to hear reindeer hooves on your roof and wondering what gifts the next day would bring. Yep, there's something magical about this time of year, and that magic is captured in the following 19 children's books. From flying reindeer to mischievous elves to classic Christmas tales of trips to the North Pole, these books prove that this season is the most wonderful time of the year — especially for budding readers. Did we forget your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

The Elf on the Shelf ($30) hasn't been around that long, but he's already become a Christmas legend, guaranteed to please your kids. (Moms, don't worry — we have plenty of ideas of where he should go next.)

Gene Autry's song about Frosty was introduced in 1950, and it's been a hit ever since. Sturdy board book Frosty the Snowman: A Musical Book ($13) combines the happy tune with bright artwork created by Rebecca Thornburgh.

The story of a sad tree who's always overlooked, A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree's story is told in rhyme and has a happy ending, thanks to the tree's forest friends.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

It's not Christmas without Rudolph! Not only will Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ($4) get your little ones excited for a visit from Santa, but it also teaches them how being different can be a great thing.

Olivia is good at many things, including waiting for Santa, making sure her dad sets up the tree, waiting for Santa, watching mom make the Christmas dinner, waiting for Santa, and of course, opening her presents in Olivia Helps With Christmas ($19).

The classic story also comes in a picture-book version for younger kids. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever ($17) tells the story of the Herdmans — the worst kids in the history of the world — who decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

Lemony Snicket's The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming ($11) stars a particularly irate latke, who appears with many other holiday icons, including flashing colored lights, candy canes, and a pine tree.

Llama Llama Holiday Drama ($18) tells the story of a young llama who is very impatiently waiting for Christmas to come. Shopping for presents, baking cookies, and decorating the tree . . . he's just not sure he can wait for the main event! A good way to teach your kids that the holidays are about more than the gifts under the tree.

Probably the most famous Christmas book in the world, The Night Before Christmas ($20) features Clement C. Moore's classic story, first published in 1823, beautifully illustrated. The book also comes with a specially created three-track musical and narrative CD.